Analysis of Stephen Crane’s “the open boat”

Published under category: Writing Ideas | 2015-05-28 02:46:13 UTC

Context: Short Story analysis

Stephen Crane’s “The Open Boat” can be analyzed from a myriad of perspectives and among these is that it represents a non-religious parable that depicts the importance of human beings depending on one another. Indeed, Crane’s story fits this description when it explores the uncertainties and struggles of four men whose experience in the indifferent and immense sea forces them to solely depend on one another in order to survive the challenges thrown at them by nature. As one reads the story, one gets to realize that Crane is sending the message that the human existence on earth is full on numerous uncertainties, that nature seldom cares about the plight of human beings, and that human beings are alone in their struggles. Crane however offers some hope in humanity and encourages human beings to form a bond with one another as this often is the only way out of many of life’s challenges.

The Open Boat

A reader of Crane’s tale may, indeed, interpret the message in the tale in different ways but the message about the need to have faith in humanity certainly comes out clear in the tale. This essay has proven this by exploring the narrative by Crane and a number of other sources that tend to concur with this point of view. It is apparent that according to Crane, having faith in humanity is more important than having faith in a ... ... ......... ...... ........ ..... .....